Question: The series of books about “Joshua” by Joseph Girzone has sold extremely well in Christian bookstores. What is your opinion—for example, of Joshua, the first one in the series? | thebereancall.org

Hunt, Dave

Question: The series of books about “Joshua” by Joseph Girzone has sold extremely well in Christian bookstores. What is your opinion—for example, of Joshua, the first one in the series?

Response: Joshua is an appealing story and teaches some valuable lessons. Unfortunately, its errors outweigh its truths. The basic idea that Christ could come back as a flesh-and-blood person is unbiblical and, though presented as fiction, is destructive of the truth that He came once to die for our sins, was buried and resurrected and is eternally in a glorified body without blood in its veins (Lk 24:39; 1 Cor:15:42-50). Reincarnation rather than resurrection is implied (pp 19-20, 111, 143). This “Jesus/Joshua” never mentions that Christ came and died for our sins. Instead, he tells people that God wants them “to love him and love one another” (p 109), leaving out “with all your heart, soul, might and neighbor as yourself.” No human ever loved in that way and that’s why Christ died for us, but Joshua never explains that!

That Girzone is a Catholic priest is reflected throughout the book. Joshua sees the pope as Peter’s successor (123, 216, 262-63), depicts fisherman/apostle Peter wearing a “three-tiered tiara . . . toga and stole” (pp 154-55) and teaches other serious errors: “you can best find God if you look within yourself” (p 113). Denying miracles, he makes the boy’s restoration to life on the ship a “natural” event (p 236); declares that all humans are God’s children from whose spirits “the things of God . . . flow as naturally . . . as the air we breathe” (hardly!); says the Jews have “remained faithful” (p 197). Contrast what the real Jesus said in John:8:31-47!

Joshua is a humanistic “Jesus” whose mission is to bring out the goodness inherent in mankind. He suggests good works for salvation and not once presents the truth that all have sinned and that Christ died for sinners so we could have eternal life as a free gift of God’s grace. Instead, Joshua subtly presents a false gospel. Yet Christian bookstores sell it by the tens of thousands!